Last updated: February 26, 2026
What Is NDC 72603-0302?
NDC 72603-0302 corresponds to Eliquis (apixaban), an anticoagulant indicated for reducing stroke risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Eliquis is marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer.
Current Market Position
Eliquis is a leading oral anticoagulant, competing primarily with Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Pradaxa (dabigatran). It accounted for approximately 40% of the oral anticoagulant market in 2022, with global sales exceeding $10 billion [1].
Market Share Breakdown (2022):
| Drug |
Market Share |
Global Sales (USD billions) |
| Eliquis |
40% |
4.0 |
| Xarelto |
35% |
3.5 |
| Pradaxa |
15% |
1.5 |
| Others |
10% |
1.0 |
Market Drivers
- Expanded Indications: Recent approvals for prophylaxis in orthopedic surgeries and prophylaxis for COVID-19 patients increase potential patient populations.
- Physician Preference: Favorable safety profile compared to warfarin, especially regarding bleeding risk.
- Patent Status: The primary patent expired in 2026, with biosimilar competition expected to enter the market post-2026.
- Reimbursement Policies: Favorable coverage by Medicare and private insurers influences prescribing habits.
Patent and Patent Expiry Timeline
| Year |
Patent Status |
Implication |
| 2011 |
Patent granted |
Market exclusivity begins |
| 2026 |
Patent expiration |
Biosimilar competition expected to increase prices pressure |
Price Trends and Projections
Current Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC)
- United States: Approximate price per 30-day supply: $500–$600.
- International markets: Prices vary; generally, lower than US WAC.
Historical Price Changes (2020–2023)
| Year |
Average WAC per 30-Day Supply |
Notes |
| 2020 |
$540 |
Stable, market dominance maintained |
| 2021 |
$520 |
Slight decrease due to competition in the US |
| 2022 |
$510 |
Continued downward pressure, increased biosimilar anticipation |
| 2023 |
$500 |
Expected to decline with biosimilar entry |
Price Projections (2024–2028)
| Year |
Predicted WAC per 30-Day Supply |
Justification |
| 2024 |
$470–$500 |
Biosimilar entry begins, competition intensifies |
| 2025 |
$450–$480 |
Increased biosimilar market penetration |
| 2026 |
$420–$460 |
Major biosimilar approvals, market expansion |
| 2027 |
$400–$440 |
Further biosimilar uptake, price stabilization |
| 2028 |
$380–$420 |
Market maturity, pricing stabilizes within lower range |
Competitive Dynamics
- Biosimilar Entry: Anticipated after patent expiry, with initial biosimilar launches likely to reduce Eliquis' price by 20–30% in the US.
- Market Share Shifts: Biosimilars may take 40–50% of the US market within two years of launch.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Biosimilar entrants introduce price competition but also expand overall market volume.
- Payers and Insurers: Will benefit from lower prices, pushing formulary preferences toward biosimilars.
- Investors: Pricing declines post-2026 signal revenue erosion; however, expanded indications could offset some losses.
Regulatory Environment Impact
The FDA approved multiple biosimilars of Eliquis in the US post-2026, including:
- Andexanet alfa (approved 2018): Reversal agent.
- Generic apixaban biosimilars (anticipated post-2026): Expected to reduce prices.
Key Takeaways
- Eliquis continues to hold a leading market position with approximately $10 billion in 2022 sales.
- Market penetration is projected to decline slightly due to biosimilar competition starting in 2026.
- Prices are expected to decrease by approximately 25-30% within two years of biosimilar entry.
- The global market remains lucrative, driven by expanding indications and physician preferences.
- The primary risk to pricing stems from patent expiry and regulatory approvals of biosimilars.
FAQs
Q1: When does Eliquis' patent expire?
A1: The primary patent expired in 2026, opening the market to biosimilars.
Q2: How much are Eliquis prices expected to decline post-2026?
A2: Prices are projected to decrease by 20–30%.
Q3: What factors influence Eliquis' market share growth?
A3: Expanded indications, safety profile, patent protections, and reimbursement policies.
Q4: Are biosimilars for Eliquis available now?
A4: No, biosimilars are expected to launch after patent expiry in 2026.
Q5: How do international prices compare to US prices?
A5: International prices are generally lower due to different reimbursement systems and market dynamics.
References
- IQVIA. (2022). Pharmaceutical Market Review.
- FDA. (2022). Biosimilar and Interchangeable Drug Products.
- EvaluatePharma. (2022). Top-Selling Drugs.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Drug Pricing and Reimbursement Data.
Note: Data reflects publicly available reports as of early 2023. Actual market conditions may vary.
